Modular flotation device with mechanism to removably attach to other modular devices

ABSTRACT

One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to flotation devices, and more specifically to modular flotation devices with a mechanism to removably attach to other modular devices. In one embodiments, an apparatus includes a first flotation module and a first connector coupled to the first flotation module. The first connector has a first end portion, a second end portion and a sidewall extended from the first end portion to the second end portion. The sidewall defines a plurality of circumferentially defined stepped portions configured to matingly engage a second connector of a second flotation module to couple the first flotation module to the second flotation module. The first connector is selectively operative as one of a female connector or a male connector with respect to the second connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 62/639,752, entitled “Modular Flotation DeviceWith Mechanism To Removably Attach To Other Modular Devices,” filed onMar. 7, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Known flotation devices either do not provide a way to removably attachto other devices or do not provide an attachment mechanism that iscommon on multiple flotation devices. Thus, a need exists to providemodular flotation devices with a mechanism to removably attach to othermodular devices.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to flotationdevices, and more specifically to modular flotation devices with amechanism to removably attach to other modular devices. In oneembodiment, a device (or apparatus) includes a first flotation moduleand a first connector coupled to the first flotation module. The firstconnector has a first end portion, a second end portion and a sidewallextended from the first end portion to the second end portion. Thesidewall defines a plurality of circumferentially defined steppedportions configured to matingly engage a second connector of a secondflotation module to couple the first flotation module to the secondflotation module. The first connector is selectively operative as one ofa female connector or a male connector with respect to the secondconnector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a modular flotation device,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of five modular flotation devices thathave been connected in series to form a loop, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a modular shelf, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a modular table, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of two modular flotation devicesremovably coupled to the modular shelf of FIG. 3 and the modular tableof FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a modular flotation device removablycoupled to a modular sunshade, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a modular flotation device removablycoupled to a modular sunshade, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a modular flotation device similar tothe modular flotation device FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a front view and a rear view, respectively, of themodular flotation device of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of themodular flotation device of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a left view and a right view, respectively, of themodular flotation device of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a top perspective view and a bottom perspectiveview, respectively, of an attachment mechanism, according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of theattachment mechanism of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the attachmentmechanism of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side view of two attachment mechanisms of FIG. 15, onereceived within the other.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of the two attachmentmechanisms of FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 are a top view, a front view and a side view,respectively, of a modular shelf similar to the modular shelf shown inFIG. 3.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are a top view and a front view, respectively, of amodular table similar to the modular table shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular flotationdevices (or flotation modules) with a mechanism to removably attach toother modular flotation devices (or flotation modules). The attachmentmechanism can be, for example, a projection having a chamber orreceptacle (or interior volume) that can receive the projection fromanother module flotation device. For example, the attachment mechanismcan be connector that has a cup-like structure having a tapered shapewith a larger size opening at the top portion, a sidewall that tapersdown in a smaller size surface at the bottom portion. The tapered shapeof the attachment mechanism allows for the attachment mechanism of onemodular flotation device to be placed on top of (stacked) and receivedwithin the chamber or receptacle (or interior volume) of another moduleflotation device.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a modular flotation device (orflotation module), according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, themodular flotation device 100 includes a chair portion 110, an extensionportion 112 on one side of the chair portion 110, and an extensionportion 114 on the other side of the chair portion 110. The chairportion 110 is configured to support a user in a seated position inwater. Extension portion 112 includes an attachment mechanism (orconnector) 120; extension portion 114 includes an attachment mechanism(or connector) 140. The modular flotation device 100 can be made, forexample, of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that defines an inflatable bladderhaving an expanded configuration (shown in FIG. 1) and a collapsedconfiguration (not shown). The modular flotation device 100 canoptionally include a fabric covering disposed over the PVC bladder.

Each of attachment mechanisms (or connectors) 120 and 140 has a cup-likestructure with a top or first end portion, a second end or bottomportion, and a sidewall extended from the first end portion to thesecond end portion. The attachment mechanism 120, 140 has a taperedshape with a larger size opening at the top (or first end) portion, andthe sidewall tapering down towards a smaller size surface at the bottom(or second end) portion. The tapered shape of the attachment mechanisms120 and 140 allows for the attachment mechanism of one modular flotationdevice to be placed on top of (stacked) and received within the chamberor receptacle (or interior volume) 121 of another modular flotationdevice (or flotation module). In this manner, the attachment mechanismsof two distinct modular flotation devices are coupled in a stackedrelationship. For example, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of fivemodular flotation devices that have been connected in a series to form aloop, according to an embodiment.

More specifically, FIG. 2 shows five modular flotation devices 210, 220,230, 240, 250, each of which is similar to the modular flotation device100 shown in FIG. 1. Any given modular flotation device 210, 220, 230,240, 250 of FIG. 2 is removably attached to an adjacent modularflotation device on one side and another adjacent modular flotationdevice on the other side. For example, the attachment mechanism (orconnector) 242 on one side of modular flotation device 240 is receivedin the attachment mechanism (or connector) (not shown) of modularflotation device 230 while the attachment mechanism (or connector) 244on the other side of modular flotation device 240 receives theattachment mechanism (or connector) 252 of modular flotation device 250.Although modular flotation device 240 is shown as both receiving theattachment mechanism 252 of one modular flotation device 250 and beingreceived in the attachment mechanism of another modular flotation device230, it should be understood that both attachment mechanisms of amodular flotation device can receive an attachment mechanism of bothadjacent modular flotation devices (as shown in FIG. 2 with respect tomodular flotation devices 230 and 210) or be received by an attachmentmechanism of both adjacent modular flotation devices (as shown in FIG. 2with respect to modular flotation devices 220 and 250). Said anotherway, each attachment mechanism can be selectively operative as one of afemale connector or a male connector with respect to another attachmentmechanism. The modular flotation devices 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 areshown as chairs configured to support users in a seated position inwater.

Rather than solely removably attaching to another modular flotationdevice, a modular flotation device can, alternatively or additionally,removably attach to different types of modular devices (or flotationmodules) such as a modular shelf 300 as shown in FIG. 3, a modular table400 as shown in FIG. 4, or a modular sunshade 620 as shown in FIG. 6.For example, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of two modular flotationdevices removably coupled to a modular shelf and a modular table. Thetwo modular flotation devices (or flotation modules) 510, 520 of FIG. 5are each similar to the modular flotation device 100 of FIG. 1. As shownin FIG. 5, the two attachment mechanisms 522 (other not shown in FIG. 5)of modular flotation device 520 receive (e.g., selectively operate asfemale connectors with respect to) two attachment mechanisms 422, 442,respectively, of modular table 400; the two attachment mechanisms (onone side is attachment mechanism 514, the attachment mechanism on theother side is not shown in FIG. 5) of modular flotation device 510receive the two other attachment mechanisms of modular table 400 tocollectively form an arrangement of two chairs and a table. Anattachment mechanism of modular table 400 also receives an attachmentmechanism 342 of modular shelf 300. In this instance, the attachmentmechanism of modular table 400 both is received in (e.g., selectivelyoperates as a male connector with respect to) the attachment mechanism514 of the modular flotation device 510 and receives (e.g., selectivelyoperates as a female connector with respect to) the attachment mechanism342 of modular shelf 300. In other words, this instance is an example ofat least three attachment mechanisms that are concurrently coupled in astacked relationship.

Returning to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows modular flotation device 610 (which issimilar to the modular flotation device 100 of FIG. 1) removablyattached to a modular sunshade 620. Modular sunshade 620 includes anattachment mechanism 622, an elongate member 624, and a shade 626. Theelongate member 624 has one end portion attached to a center portion ofthe attachment mechanism 622, and another end portion attached to theshade 626. Shade 626 is substantially planar, oriented substantiallyparallel with the ground (or water when the modular flotation device 610is disposed in water), and has a length that allows the shade 626 to bepositioned over a cockpit of the modular flotation device 610. Althoughshade 626 is shown as planar and parallel with the ground/water, itshould be understood that the shade 626 can be non-planar such as havinga concave shape and/or can be non-parallel with the ground/water. FIG. 7shows an alternative modular sunshade 640 that does not include anattachment mechanism, but instead slideably couples into a pocket (notshown) on the back of the modular flotation device 610.

Although particular embodiments are shown in the figures, it should beunderstood that alternative embodiments are possible. For example,although the modular flotation device is shown as being inflatable andhaving a chair shape, other modular flotation devices can benon-inflatable (e.g., made of foam) and/or having a different shape(e.g., without a back portion, or wider for more than one person).Similarly, although the modular flotation device is shown as having twoattachment mechanisms, one on either side, other modular flotationsdevices can have only one attachment mechanism or more than twoattachment mechanisms (e.g., a third attachment mechanism on the backside of the modular flotation device).

Similarly, attachment mechanisms need not be on the edges or corners ofa modular device. For example, a modular table can have attachmentmechanism(s) on a side between adjacent concerns. For another example, amodular table can have an attachment mechanism in the center of themodular table; such an attachment mechanism can receive a modularsunshade.

Modular devices other than those shown in the figures are possible. Forexample, modular devices having one or more attachment mechanisms can bein the form of a seat extension that when removably attached to themodular flotation device of FIG. 1 collectively form a chaise lounge, inthe form of a cooler or storage device, or in the form of a seat for aninfant. For another example, the modular devices can be in the form ofan anchor or a clip, which can be attached to the attachment mechanism(or connector) by a tether such as a rope. Such a modular device can beremovably attached by its attachment mechanism to the attachmentmechanism of another modular device to maintain the position of theother modular device (or flotation module) for example while floating inthe water.

FIGS. 8-14 show a modular flotation device (or flotation module) similarto the flotation device shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 8 shows aperspective view of a modular flotation device (or flotation module)700. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a front view and a rear view, respectively, ofthe modular flotation device 700 of FIG. 8. FIGS. 11 and 12 show a topview and a bottom view, respectively, of the modular flotation device ofFIG. 8. FIGS. 13 and 14 show a left view and a right view, respectively,of the modular flotation device of FIG. 8. The modular flotation device700 includes a chair portion 710, an extension portion 712 on one sideof the chair portion 710, an extension portion 714 on the other side ofthe chair portion 110, and an attachment mechanism or connector 720coupled to each extension portion 712, 714.

FIGS. 15-22 show the attachment mechanism or connector 720, which issimilar to the attachment mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-7. In particular,FIGS. 15 and 16 show a top perspective view and a bottom perspectiveview, respectively, of the attachment mechanism 720. FIGS. 17 and 18show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the attachmentmechanism 720 of FIG. 15. Note that the company logo shown on the bottomsurface of the attachment mechanism 720 is optional. FIG. 19 is a sideview of the attachment mechanism 720 of FIG. 15. FIG. 20 is across-sectional view along line AA of the attachment mechanism 720 ofFIG. 19. As shown in FIGS. 15-20, the attachment mechanism 720 includesa body portion 722 that has a tapered shape or sidewall 724 extendedfrom a first end portion 723 and a second end portion 725. The bodyportion 722 defines a center axis CA (see, e.g., FIGS. 17 and 20). Thefirst end portion 723 defines an opening 727 into an interior volume 721defined by the attachment mechanism 720. The second end portion 725 ofthe body portion 722 has a perimeter or circumference that is less thana perimeter or circumference of the body portion at the first endportion 723.

The sidewall 724 includes circumferentially-defined steps or steppedportions 726 and protruded portions at each stepped/discontinuity of thetapered shape. These protruded portions provide a surface that is notsmooth, but instead allows a mating arrangement and/or complementary fitwhen inserting and removing one attachment mechanism 720 into and outfrom another attachment mechanism. For example, FIG. 21 is a side viewof two attachment mechanisms 720, 740 of FIG. 15 in a stackedrelationship, one received within the other. Note that the twoattachment mechanisms can be are operatively coupleable at a pluralityof rotational positions about the center axis CA of the attachmentmechanism 720 (see, e.g., the various rotational positions at whichattachment mechanisms are operatively coupled in FIGS. 2, 5 and 21-22).

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of the two attachmentmechanisms 720, 740 of FIG. 21. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, theprotrusion (or male connector) of the inner attachment mechanism 740fits within a recess (or interior volume 721, e.g., a female connector)of the outer attachment mechanism 720 such that the stepped portions726, 746 of the attachment mechanisms 720, 740 have a mating arrangementand/or complementary fit. This allows the two attachment mechanisms 720,740 to be removably attached together through a friction fit into adesired stacked arrangement or relationship. Said another way, the firstattachment mechanism or connector 720 and the second attachmentmechanism or connector 740 are coupled by a friction fit when the firstattachment mechanism or connector 720 at least partially receives in itsinterior volume 721 the complementary body portion of the secondattachment mechanism or connector 740 at one time, or when the firstattachment mechanism 720 is at least partially received in thecomplementary body portion of the second attachment mechanism orconnector 740 at another time.

Also shown in FIGS. 15-22, the attachment mechanism or connector 720includes a rim portion 730 that has a first layer 732 and a second layer734. The first layer 732 can be coupled to or monolithically formed withthe body portion 722. Prongs 733 extend from the first layer 732. Thesecond layer 734 defines openings 735. Each opening 735 is configured toreceive at least a portion of a prong 733 (see, e.g., FIG. 21), toremovably couple the second layer 734 of the rim portion 730 to thefirst layer 732, and thus to the body portion 722 of the attachmentmechanism 720. The first layer 732 also includes openings 731 thatoverlie at least a portion of the prongs 733 when the prongs arereceived in the openings 735 of the second layer 734. The openings 731of the first layer 732 can be used to uncouple the prongs 733 from thesecond layer 734 (e.g., by inserting a pin or the like to depress theend of the prong 733 to release it from a shoulder of the second layer734). In this manner, the second layer 734 is removably coupled to thefirst layer 732. A membrane of the modular flotation device (orflotation module) is disposable between the two layers 732, 734 of therim portion 730 when the prongs 733 are received in the openings 735,thereby coupling the attachment mechanism (or connector) 720 to theflotation module (as shown, e.g., in FIG. 8). For illustration purposes,FIGS. 21-22 do not show disposed between the layers of the rim portionof each attachment mechanism 720, 740 the membrane of the respectivemodular flotation device to which the attachment mechanism is coupled.It should be understood that, although not shown, the membrane of onemodular flotation device will be between the two layers of oneattachment mechanism 720 and the membrane of the other floatation devicewill be between the two layers of the other attachment mechanism 740.Although the prongs 733 are shown as extended past the second layer 734of the rim portion 730 when the first layer 732 is coupled to the secondlayer 734, in other embodiments, the prongs 733 can be flush (or even)with a lower surface of the second layer 734 or recessed with respect tothe lower surface of the second layer 734 when the first layer 732 iscoupled to the second layer.

FIGS. 23-25 show a modular shelf 810 similar to the modular shelf ofFIG. 3. In particular, FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 are a top view, a front viewand a side view, respectively, of a modular shelf similar to the modularshelf shown in FIG. 3. The modular shelf 810 includes two attachmentmechanisms or connectors 720, shown at opposing end portions of themodular shelf 810.

FIGS. 26-27 show a modular table 910 similar to the modular table ofFIG. 4. In particular, FIGS. 26 and 27 are a top view and a front view,respectively, of a modular table 910 similar to the modular table shownin FIG. 4. The modular table 910 includes four attachment mechanisms orconnectors 720, shown on extension portions 912, 914, 916, 918 at eachcorner of the modular table 910.

Alternatives to the attachment mechanisms shown in FIGS. 1-27 are alsopossible. For example, rather than having the attachment mechanismsoriented vertically, the attachment mechanisms can be orientedhorizontally so that an attachment mechanism of one modular device canbe moved horizontally into the chamber/receptacle of an attachmentmechanism of an adjacent modular device. For another example, theattachment mechanisms can be in the form of a loop having a smallopening or overlapping arms. In this alternative embodiment, one loop ofone attachment mechanism can be inserted into an interior of a loop ofanother attachment mechanism through the small opening through anopening formed by separating the overlapping arms. In yet anotheralternative, the attachment mechanisms can be in the form of aball-and-socket joint. In this alternative, one attachment mechanism canform the shape of a ball and another attachment mechanism can form theshape of socket into which the ball-shaped attachment mechanism can bereceived.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicatecertain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, thearrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments havebeen particularly shown and described, it will be understood thatvarious changes in form and details may be made. Although variousembodiments have been described as having particular features and/orcombinations of components, other embodiments are possible having anycombination or sub-combination of any features and/or components fromany of the embodiments described herein.

The specific configurations of the various components described hereincan also be varied. For example, the size and specific shape of thevarious components can be different from the embodiments shown, whilestill providing the functions as described herein. Additionally, therelative size of various components of the devices shown and describedherein with respect to the size of other components of the devices arenot necessarily to scale. Similarly, where methods and/or eventsdescribed above indicate certain events and/or procedures occurring incertain order, the ordering of certain events and/or procedures may bemodified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown anddescribed, it will be understood that various changes in form anddetails may be made.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a first flotationmodule, and a first connector coupled to the first flotation module, thefirst connector having a first end portion, a second end portion and asidewall extended from the first end portion to the second end portion,the sidewall defining a plurality of circumferentially defined steppedportions configured to matingly engage a second connector of a secondflotation module to couple the first flotation module to the secondflotation module, the first connector being selectively operative as oneof a female connector or a male connector with respect to the secondconnector.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is,concurrently with the selective operation of the first connector as oneof the female connector or the male connector with respect to the secondconnector, selectively operative as the other of a female connector or amale connector with respect to a third connector.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first connector is configured to concurrentlymatingly engage the second connector of the second flotation module andto matingly engage a third connector of a third flotation module tocouple the first flotation module and the second flotation module to thethird flotation module.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theconnector includes a cup-shaped body portion having a circumference atthe first end portion and a circumference at the second end portion lessthan the circumference at the first end portion.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first flotation module is a first chair configuredto support a first user in a seated position in water and the secondflotation module is a second chair configured to support a second userin a seated position in water.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst flotation module is a chair, and the second flotation module is atable, shelf, or sunshade.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst connector is operatively coupleable to the second connector at aplurality of rotational positions about a center axis of the firstconnector.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector isconfigured to be in a stacked relationship with respect to the secondconnector.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector isconfigured to be concurrently coupled in a stacked relationship to aplurality of connectors, the plurality of connectors including thesecond connector.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: a first flotationmodule; and a first connector coupled to the first flotation module, thefirst connector including a body portion having a first end portion, asecond end portion, and a sidewall portion extended from the first endportion to the second end portion, the first end portion of the bodyportion having a first perimeter and defining an opening incommunication with an interior volume of the body portion, the secondend portion of the body portion having a second perimeter less than thefirst perimeter, the first connector configured to (1) at leastpartially receive in the interior volume, at a first time, acomplementary body portion of a second connector of a second flotationmodule to removably couple the first flotation module to the secondflotation module at the first time, and (2) be at least partiallyreceived, at a second time different from the first time, in the bodyportion of the second connector of the second flotation module toremovably couple the first flotation module to the second flotationmodule at the second time.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thesidewall defines a stepped portion circumferentially disposed about thebody portion at a location between the first end portion and the secondend portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sidewall definesa plurality of steps configured to complementarily fit a plurality ofsteps of the second connector of the second flotation module to couplethe first flotation module to the second flotation module.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector is configured to atleast partially receive in the interior volume a third connector of athird flotation module concurrently with the first connector being atleast partially received, at the second time, in the body portion of thesecond connector of the second flotation module to removably couple thefirst flotation module and the second flotation module to the thirdflotation module.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the firstconnector is configured to be at least partially received in a thirdconnector of a third flotation module concurrently with the firstconnector at least partially receiving in the interior volume, thecomplementary body portion of the connector of the second flotationmodule to removably couple the first flotation module and the secondflotation module to the third flotation module.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the first connector includes a rim portion having afirst layer and a second layer, the rim portion including a prongextended from the first layer, the second layer defining an openingconfigured to receive at least a portion of the prong.
 16. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the first flotation module is inflatable.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the first flotation module is a firstchair configured to support a first user in a seated position in waterand the second flotation module is a second chair configured to supporta second user in a seated position in water.
 18. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the first flotation module is a chair, and the secondflotation module is a table, shelf, or sunshade.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the first connector and the second connector arecoupled by a friction fit when the first connector (1) at leastpartially receives in the interior volume the complementary body portionof the second connector at the first time, or (2) is at least partiallyreceived in the complementary body portion of the second connector atthe second time.
 20. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the firstconnector is configured to be coupled to the second connector at aplurality of rotational positions about a center axis of the bodyportion of the first connector.